Cold winter days and long winter nights mean many people may be looking to naturally increase their sense of well-being, and one way to do this is by releasing endorphins, which have many mood-boosting benefits.
Endorphins are natural hormones in the body that give you that classic “runner’s high” feeling. They take away pain, they take away stress.
Research even shows they can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and help you feel more optimistic and content. In other words, what’s not to love about endorphins? 、
We all know that exercise releases endorphins, especially high-intensity interval training, sustained moderate exercise, group fitness classes, and running, but other activities can also increase endorphin levels.
Here, experts share how to boost your happy hormones without tying your shoes.
Massage And Acupuncture
Both massage and acupuncture have been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, especially when specific trigger points are targeted.
When a pain trigger point is hit, it causes a sensation of pain and results in the release of endorphins, which are your natural painkillers.
These endorphins bring about a feeling of relaxation during and after massage or acupuncture.
Meditation
There are some studies showing that consistent meditation helps release endorphins, but the exact reason why this happens is unclear.
There’s a bit of a cause and effect dilemma here, but consistent meditation seems to lead to higher levels of endorphins.
Research also shows that meditation can be an effective tool for stress management, with people who meditate having higher levels of serotonin, a natural chemical produced by the body that helps improve mood.
In other words, if you meditate consistently, you may experience some mood-boosting effects.
Laughter
A burst of laughter while watching a funny TV show or joking with friends may actually have more benefits than you think.
Many studies show that laughter physiologically stimulates the production of beta-endorphins.
Again, the exact reason behind this is still debated, but many believe that the release of endorphins comes from the deep breathing and full-body movements associated with laughing.
UV Light
Being out on a beautiful day brings a sense of relaxation. This is partly because UV light helps stimulate the release of beta-endorphins.
Additionally, when the body is exposed to sunlight, the brain releases serotonin, which increases levels of the happy hormone.
Sex
Sex is widely believed to be a way to increase endorphins. This may be due to the physical nature of the act and the exercise that comes with it, as exercise is also an endorphin booster.
What’s more, research also shows that sex can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
Yoga
Technically, yoga is a physical exercise, but it may not be one associated with the release of endorphins, which are often associated with long-distance running and high-intensity spin classes.
But this idea is wrong. Yoga also increases endorphins and other feel-good hormones and lowers cortisol levels.
Music
Playing music is another known way to release endorphins. In fact, a 2012 study measured performers’ pain tolerance (because endorphins are a painkiller) and found that singing, dancing, and drumming all trigger endorphin release.
When it comes to listening to music, the data is even more mixed. The act of listening to music can also release endorphins, and some experts say more research is needed. One thing the research agrees on, though? Listening to music causes the release of dopamine, another mood-enhancing chemical.
So even though listening to music doesn’t cause the release of endorphins, it does cause the release of another happy hormone—and at the end of the day, you won’t even know the difference, you’ll know you feel better.